Funner Runner

Stocking Stuffers for Runners

12/12/2018

I shared a few of my favorite things to gift to the runner in your life the other day, well, what about those stockings? Or maybe you have a gift exchange with a spending limit. What do do you get for that hard to shop for runner with $20 or less? Let me help you out!

1. Sparkly Soul Headbands - www.sparklysoul.com
If you follow me on social media, you know how much I LOVE my Sparkly Soul Headbands! I seriously wear one every single day! From work, to yoga, to errands, and even running, my Sparkly Soul headbands help me keep my hair game on point all while adding a little sparkle to my day. New to the Sparkly Soul collection in 2017 are their Extra Wide (2") headbands which I have been LOVING! No matter what your style, they got you covered.

No Slip (SERIOUSLY!) - I have insanely soft hair, so I have always been skeptical when a product claims to hold my hair in place. I have tried just about every headband out there and every trick to keep it in place - sorry, I should have to find a "trick" to keep an athletic headband in place while I run. Sparkly Soul headbands are lined with a velvet-like material that truly stays in place. Sparkly Soul headbands seriously stay in place. I have ran a full marathon in a Sparkly Soul headband and it was in the same place when I crossed the finish line as where it was when I started.
No Headaches - I have struggled in the past with headbands causing headaches when I wore them. They would be so tight fitting that I would have a headache within 15 minutes of putting it on. What good is a fitness headband if you are going to have a headache while working out? Sparkly Soul headbands are so comfortable to wear that you don't even know that you are wearing it. I have one on at least 15 hours a day and I never know it is there - except for the fact that I don't have hair in my face.

2. Momentum Jewelry - www.momentumjewelry.com
One of my absolute favorite ideas for a great stocking stuffer is just about anything from Momentum Jewelry. With their foot notes (shoe tags) and bracelets, your favorite runner can carry words of encouragement with them on every run (and even daily). While they have a wide selection of different mantras like "Make it Happen", "Finish Strong", and "Own Today", they also offer custom sayings as well. Their prices are super affordable and their customer service is absolutely wonderful! Note: while it is too late to order from Momentum direct for the holidays, check out their retailers to buy at a store near you.

3. Ornaments
Did the runner in your life complete a milestone race this year? Did they qualify for Boston? Run their first half marathon? Or maybe you just want to help them celebrate running! My friends at Gone For A Run offer a wide variety of ornaments (which many can be personalized). Last year, I got Momma K an ornament to help commemorate her first half marathon so she can remember that day each year when she decorates the Christmas tree. I also received an ornament after running my first marathon in 2012 - this is a wonderful way to remember this milestone accomplishment each year as it hangs on the tree.

4. Gift Cards
Gift cards are always a great gift option. When shopping for your favorite runner, it doesn't always have to be an elaborate gift card though. While we would appreciate gift cards to our local running stores to get some new kicks or gear, there are a lot of other options to spoil your runner with. How about slipping a $10 gift card to their favorite coffee shop or restaurant to pick up our next post-run treat with? A gift card to to pick up some new tunes for our playlists is also really appreciated.

5. Paincakes
While we try to avoid them at all costs, injuries happen. No matter if they are just little bumps or aches, or more serious injuries, injuries are a part of life. When I have sore muscles after a hard workout or some aches after a long run, I head for my Paincakes. Paincakes are a stickable ice pack to give you cold therapy where you need it and keep it there. No more straps, wraps, tape etc or being stuck on the couch while you ice. Just stick your Paincakes to the area that needs attention and you can go about your business - like cooking dinner, answering the door, chasing after kiddos. Note: while it is too late to order from Paincakes direct for the holidays, check out a local running store near you to buy at a store near you.

6. Mag Strobe - www.nathansports.com
With fall right around the corner, night (or at least dusk) running will become more of a regular for runners. While safety in general while running is important, safety while running in the dark is even more important. Making sure that you are visible to cars as well as other runners is one of the most important safety points for runners at night. Most runners just think of lights and light-colored clothing to increase visibility, however there are additional measures you can take like the Mag Strobe.

The Mag Flash is a magnetic clip-on reflective patch that adds illumination and reflective safety to your run, walk, ride, etc. The Mag Strobe is super easy to use and just simply "clips on" via magnets to your shirt, running belt, vest, etc and adds additional visibility to you in an instant. There are also three different light options including a fast strobe, slow strobe and steady light which are produced with a battery with 35+ battery life.

Note: while it is getting late to order from Nathan direct for the holidays, check out their retailers to buy at a store near you.

7. "Care Kit" Items
You have probably heard the saying "running is cheaper than therapy" or about how running is an inexpensive sport. Well, that is not really true. There are so many little things that runners use and those costs add up fast. If you know your runner well, pick up a few of his or her favorite fuel items/gels to fill their stocking with rather than candy. Winter weather items like gloves, ear warmers, and handwarmers are always much appreciated as well.

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Funner Runner's Guide to Holiday Gifts for Runners

12/7/2018

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With the holiday season quickly approaching (YIKES!), you might be wondering what to buy your favorite runner in your life. If you are a runner, you might also be pondering what to put on your wish list this year. No matter what your budget, it isn't too hard to cross those runners off your list. Here are a few things that I am planning on gift in 2018 (or hoping Santa will hook me up with).

Gifts Under $30

RoadID - www.roadID.com

Sadly, there have been so many heartbreaking stories of runners be struck by vehicles when on their runs (and one particular story hitting very close to me earlier this year). Runner safety has become bigger than ever lately and it is so important to make sure you are safe on your run. RoadIDs are so important because they identify you, let health conditions be known, and help contact loved ones in the event tragedy strikes on the run. Even if you are running a race or with a buddy, having your identity be know can be critical when you least expect it. RoadIDs come in various forms from shoe tags, to bracelets, and even IDs that attach to Fitbits and Apple Watches, so there is certainly one that is perfect for your gift giving needs.

73 Threads - www.mkt.com/73threads
If you have a runner in your life that likes a bit of humor about their running, they have some great gift options for them (my absolute favorites are their shirts though). You can show your state pride, share your love of the trails, embrace the Tri, and more! They even have 0.0 shirts for your photographer, sherpa, babysitter, etc that is perfect for cheering you on on race day.

Eagle Creek Sport - www.eaglecreek.com
I have done a lot of traveling this year for race-cations. From cross country flights to quick weekend road trips, I have had to pack my bags quite a bit. If you have never packed for a race-cation, I will just tell you that it is as stressful as vacation packing multiplied by about three. Having your packing game on point is key for me which is why I absolutely LOVE my Eagle Creek gear. These travel organizers not only keep my stuff organized in my suit case ("pro" tip: I use different colored organizers for each race when doing multi-race weekends), but the Sport collection features Agion® Antimicrobial fabric which helps prevent odor. To check out my full review on a few of the Eagle Pack-It Sport pieces, head to my video here.

Gifts $30-$50

PRO Compression Socks & Sleeves - www.procompression.com
There's no doubt that PRO Compression would be on my list of favorite things. Whether it is their marathon socks or low trainers, you can bet that I always dawning a pair of PRO Compression socks! From over the calf socks ('Marathon socks'), to calf sleeves, to low trainer socks and more, PRO Compression has something for every runner in your life. Seriously, these socks rock!

While there are a number of awesome designs and solids to choose from right now, check out the newly released 2018 "Ugly" Sweater sock or the December Sock of the Month designs. The "ugly" sweater design each year always sells out fast, so don't delay!

Inspired Endurance Jewelry - www.inspiredendurance.com

As much as I wish it was socially acceptable to wear a race medal around my neck every day to commemorate different race and celebrate my accomplishments, however it is not. Thanks to Inspired Endurance, you can commemorate your accomplishments in a stylish piece of jewelry that can be worn whenever and wherever you choose.

With fall racing season in full swing and the holidays coming up soon, I can think of quite a number of occasions that would be perfect for giving some Inspired Endurance jewelry to family and friends. Let's be real, runners can be hard to shop for because we all use different products in running and training, but we all appreciate when others help recognize our accomplishments with us. The best thing is that there are pieces of Inspired Endurance that are simply motivational and not geared towards a particular distance or sport, so they are great for anyone. I mean, we can all use a little extra motivation in our life, right?

Credit: Inspired Endurance

INKnBURN - www.inknburn.com
It is beyond obvious that I love my INKnBURN - as does my family. There are so many reasons that I absolutely love INKnBURN. First, the quality is absolutely amazing with uniquely beautiful designs that help you truly express yourself. Another awesome thing about INKnBURN is that it is made right here in the USA in Costa Mesa, CA. While INKnBURN pieces are made in a single run per design (so once they are gone, they are gone for good), you can rest assured that there are always new awesome designs being created. Be sure to check out the most recent designs that INKnBURN has to offer!

Rollga Foam Roller - www.rollga.com
Ahhh, foam rollers. Almost every athlete regardless of their sport has probably had an encounter or two with a foam roller. I like to say that I have had a "love-hate" or "hurts so good" relationship with foam rolling over the past few years. No matter how much you love it (or love to "hate" it), foam rolling is so beneficial for athletes in recovery and injury prevention.

One thing that I have learned is that not all foam rollers are created equally. I was recently introduced to Rollga and one of the things that really makes their foam rollers stand out is their flexibility for countless uses. The Rollga foam roller is is a cross-directional that helps stabilize the hips, align the back, and increase range-of-motion. While a lot of foam rollers have a design that is flat, the grooves on the Rollga are designed to contour to your body's fit and reach each place properly for optimal recovery and result

Credit: Rollga

Gifts $50+

Knuckle Lights - www.knucklelights.com
I had heard of Knuckle Lights for about a year now, but I wasn't too familiar with them until earlier this fall. As I started to plan ahead for the upcoming few months, I started to think of ways that I can keep myself safe while logging my miles in the evenings as it gets dark earlier. Knuckle Lights are huge on the premise of "see and be seen" which is exactly what I was looking for. Not only am I needing a product to help me see the road ahead, but most importantly I want to make sure that cars see me.

Project Repat T-Shirt Quilts - www.projectrepat.com
To be honest, I do wear a lot of my race shirts. I have a super laid back dress code at work which allows me to wear my race shirt mostly every day. However, I cannot possibly wear them ALL! There are some that are too big or too small, heavy cotton that I don't particularly like to wear, designs that just aren't me, or ones that have precious memories so I don't want the shirt to get ruined. The ones that don't get worn often go into storage tubs after a few months where they just sit and never get seen again. Yes, I know I could donate them, but they all have special memories to me and I can't seem to let them go.

My storage bins of race shirts are getting out of control and they are about to grow when I clean out my drawers this winter. Well, Project Repat to the rescue! Let's be honest, you too probably have a collection of shirts that you can't seem to let go of as well. Maybe they are your old high school sports jerseys (or your child's). Perhaps you were an avid concert goer at one point and have some awesome concert tees. Maybe after the passing of a loved one you held on to some of their clothing as a memory of them. Whatever your shirt collection is, chances are that Project Repat can turn those shirts into a quilt of precious memories for you because they can use anything basically leather and jeans.

HEAR THIS - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not do your loved one the favor of selecting shirts for them and cutting them up and surprising them! Instead you can pre-purchase the quilt for them and give them the order so all they have to do is select the shirts and mail them off.

For the Runner Who Has Everything

Running Club Memberships
There is so much value in membership to local running clubs. Seriously, they are a gift that keeps on giving year round! I first became a member of Atlanta Track Club several years ago when I received a membership from my dad for Christmas. At first I didn't understand how valuable this gift would become throughout the year. While each running club offers memberships at different rates and with different benefits, Atlanta Track Club provides its members with race & training group discounts, discounts at local running stores, a membership gift, guaranteed entry to the 2019 Peachtree Road Race 10K, and much more. The training support and benefits that your runner will receive throughout 2019 will definitely be appreciated.

StrideBox - www.stridebox.com

I admit it, I am a huge creature of habit. I get set in my ways and don't explore new things often. How do you know that a product that you use is truly the best option for you unless you try other things every now an then? How do you know that you don't like something?

Since I am stubborn and don't necessarily seek new things to try unless they present themselves to me pretty much, I am stoked when I receive my StrideBox each month.

The concept of StrideBox is pretty easy. They are a monthly subscription box the provides you with various samples of different health, fitness, and weight-loss products. Each month's box provides you with several different samples of products to try. With gift options of one month, three months, or six months, there is an option to fit each budget. Who knows, you could very well help your runner find their new "must have" favorite fuel or gear.

Gift Certificates
People always calling running a free/cheap sport. Well, those people probably haven't seen my expenditures on gear, travel, gadgets, races, fuel, and shoes!

Buying your runner new shoes is basically impossible since we all have shoes that we are partial to and likely get fitted regularly (plus it can be pricey). A gift card of any value to our favorite running store is always much appreciated. There are always things that we need and that gift card will definitely help us when we go to shop.

Another great gift idea is purchasing your favorite traveling runner gift cards that can be used on their race-cations! If you know that they stay at particular hotel chains often or fly on certain airlines primarily, a gift card for these things will put a smile on their face for sure. Nothing makes buying a airline ticket to a race a little bit easier than using gift cards to help bring down your out of pocket costs.

Question of the Day: What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?

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ActivMotion Bar Review

12/5/2018

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Disclaimer: I was given the opportunity to review the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar through a campaign with Fit Approach. I was provided with complimentary product in exchange for my review. As always, I will keep it real and provide my honest feedback of the product. In addition, I am not a trainer or physician and you should consult your physician before starting any fitness program.

This year has been a crazy year for me, but totally for the good. Mainly I dabbled into the world of obstacle course racing (OCR) and became obsessed, FAST. As I quickly got sucked into the OCR world, my training shifted to adding a lot more strength training than I ever had before.

Even with all my added cross training and strength training, there are still areas that I felt like I need to add a little extra attention to - core strength and balance. I have added different core workouts to my routine and have been doing yoga the past few years to help with balance and while I have seen some progress, the progress hasn't been as much as I would like (in comparison to the rest of my progress). I know it isn't an overnight thing, but I am open to trying different workouts to try to trigger those muscles. When I was given the opportunity by Fit Approach to check out ActivMotion, I figured this could be a great tool to help ignite those muscles to help strengthen those core muscles and my balance a little more.

Source: ActivMotion

What is the ActivMotion Bar?

ActivMotion Bars are filled with rolling steel ball bearings that shift gently during movements, producing an unstable and challenging stimulus that promotes enhanced core and total body strength, increased balance, and improved flexibility. According to an independent study conducted at the University of Michigan in 2015, ActivMotion Bars activate muscles of the core and extremities up to 173% more than standard weighted fitness tools.

The new Glimpse Bar is different from the standard ActivMotion Bars in that users can SEE (or get a GLIMPSE of) the ball bearings inside the bar. This visual feedback allows for an even greater balance challenge.

The three white ball bearings in the center of the bar act as your guide or “level”. Try to keep them in the center of the bar during any exercise, and experience mind-body activation like never before!

(Source: ActivMotion)

(Source: ActivMotion)

How to Pick Which ActivMotion Bar is Right for You

When I took a look into the ActivMotion Bar, I had to decide what weight is best for me. The ActivMotion website has a good breakdown of the weights that the ActivMotion Bar is available in and the fitness levels associated with them.

4.5LB - The 4′, 4.5-pound ActivMotion Bar is where most people should start. Even those with high levels of fitness will be challenged by this most popular seller.
6LB - The 5′, 6-pound ActivMotion Bar is for people who have exercised consistently for at least 6 months and have a good base of fitness established
8LB - The 5′, 8-pound ActivMotion Bar is for those who are advanced. If you already train hard and are looking to take your results to the next level, start here!

Glimpse Bar is different from the standard ActivMotion Bars in that users can SEE (or get a GLIMPSE of) the ball bearings inside the bar. This visual feedback allows for an even greater balance challenge. This new ActivMotion Bar comes in only one weight (4.5 pounds) and one length (4-feet).

(Source: ActivMotion)

Since I am looking to focus on improving my balance mainly, I went with the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar. Spoiler, it felt more challenging than "just 4.5-pounds" when I opened the package.

Getting Started with ActivMotion Bar

Once your ActivMotion Bar ships, your workouts and materials are delivered straight to your email. You will receive your login information to download all of the workouts and information within a day of your purchase so you can access your workouts via your mobile device, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart T.V. (Note: workouts are NOT available on DVD and all program materials are to be downloaded or digitally streamed)

IGNITE is a 60-day home training program that consists of 10 workouts plus 5 bonus “kicker” workouts. The program is great for all ages and fitness levels, as movements are modified when needed to accommodate nearly everyone.

Your IGNITE Program uses the unique muscle activation and calorie burning benefits of the ActivMotion Bar in simple and fun Core Strength, Flexibility, Balance and Cardio workouts for an unparalleled training experience. In just 20 to 30 minutes per day, build true core strength, lose weight, improve flexibility and develop better balance using the same tool and exercises that personal trainers and group fitness instructors all over the world use everyday with their clients and gym members.

(Source: ActivMotion)

(Source: ActivMotion)

I started out with the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar Intro Workout, because, obviously, that is where you should start out. I already gave you the spoiler alert of how the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar felt like more than 4.5lbs because of the motion of the weights inside, but it was crazy how much harder it was to focus on the bar than "just 4.5lbs". Don't get me wrong, it wasn't HEAVY, it was just a lot more of a challenge I expected from the weight.

Everything from lunges to squats and simple core movements instantly intensified when I incorporated the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar into them. Just to see the difference, I did the movements without the bar and then again with the bar. It was drastically different. At first I wasn't sure if it was because I was holding onto a bar, the weight of the bar, or the challenge of the ball bearings. I quickly realized that it was a combination of all of the elements. Not only was I working my muscles with fairly simple movements that I have done countless times over the years, I was having to connect my mind and focus on my body and the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar to not only do the movements properly but to balance the ball bearings.

I absolutely cannot wait to dig into the ActivMotion workouts more in the upcoming months. These workouts will not replace my current workouts, but instead they will be additional workouts into my plan. They will also be perfect for days where I can't get to the gym since I know I can get a powerful workout out home if needed. Hey, life happens sometimes.

As I close out my first year of OCRs and start setting my goals on 2019 OCRs and road races, incorporating the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar and their workout programs will be a great addition to my routine for sure. There are always new ways to improve your training and fitness. Sometimes you have to struggle in certain areas and figure out that those are the things that you need to work on more (or differently) in your training. For me that is core strength and balance. Hopefully after training with the ActivMotion Glimpse Bar in the next few months, I will be stronger than ever and ready to crush my goals next year!

To shop for a ActivMotion Bar and to learn more about how it can help your fitness goals, check out ActivMotion's website and social media.

ActivMotion Bar Website
ActivMotion Bar on Facebook
ActivMotion Bar on Twitter
ActivMotion Bar on Instagram
ActivMotion Bar on YouTube

No matter if you are deep into a fitness plan, just starting out, or anywhere in between, ActivMotion Glimpse Bar is a great piece of workout equipment in my option. A HUGE thank you to ActivMotion Bar letting me try out their product. Adding this little extra to my training schedule will hopefully help me get a stronger core and show on the race course in the near future.

As a special offer for my readers the team at ActivMotion Bar is offering 25% off through the holidays! Use code fitapproach25 for 25% off your ActivMotion Bar purchase through January 7, 2019. (Pssst - they ship really fast, so there is still some time to put a ActivMotion Bar on your holiday wishlist or to get one under the tree for a loved one).

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Savage Race - Fall Georgia - October 6, 2018

12/4/2018

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After crossing the finish line of my first Savage Race back in March, I ran right over to the pre-sale tent to register for the Georgia Fall edition. Yes, that is how much fun I had! After waiting about six months for my next Savage Race and about 6 weeks since my last OCR (obstacle course race), I was ready to head out for my next round of Savage Race fun!

With 33 obstacles in 6.2ish miles in front of me and my team, we were ready. Our team was signed up for the 9:30 wave which meant I could sleep in and arrive to the venue later (at least compared to most road races). We arrive to Moonlight Stables Equestrian Center around 8am in order to give us time to get our bibs, check our gear, and watch the participants from the Pro wave take off. Thanks to paying $10 extra for VIP parking, we were within steps of the festival area.

Crew was assemble and ready to go! Our team ran the Georgia Spring Savage Race together in March along with various other OCRs so we knew what to expect. Since I train with most of my team, they knew my biggest strengths and how to assist on obstacles that aren't my strong suit.

We got into the holding pen at the start line about 10 minutes before our wave. After getting a run down of rules and safety signals, we were led in a motivational and team bonding pep-up before heading out.

Within a third of a mile or so we were greeted by our first obstacles: Barn Doors and Prairie Dog. There was definitely a lot of climbing over and under things in the first stretch. One of my favorite obstacles in this stretch was Squeeze Play where you crawled under some very low barrels and Venus Guy Trap (small warped walls).

Up and up a long, fairly steep hill we went. We next approached Shriveled Richard which involved crossing a large bin full of ice water...and going UNDER to get under a beam. Don't worry late runners, they are constantly adding more and more ice throughout the morning - 60,000lb of ice!

The one obstacle that I was eager to get to came up next....Nutsmasher which is essentially a wobbly balance beam with cold water below to cushion your fall. After watching a few teammates go down, I started to question my own ability to complete this one. It was WAY more unstable than I remember from March, but I was determined to keep my streak of completing balance obstacles alive. I focused and engaged my core and legs to power through and I made it! That was the one that I wanted to beat and I did!

Credit: Savage Race

A few more upper body obstacles (like Twirly Bird) came up along with some high walls and warped walls. Next up was Lumberjack Lane where you grabbed one or more planks of wood and carried it up and down hills for a total of about 1000 feet before returning your piece to the pile.

I always say "life is better on a cargo net" - that is because I absolutely live for cargo nets on OCR courses and training. They are definitely my strongest area on OCR courses along with balance, so I am always happy when I catch a glimpse of a cargo net coming up head of me.

As we were close to 5 miles in and only 24 of 33 obstacles in, so I knew that the next obstacles would be coming fast. Our cheer crew of Momma K and Papa J met up with us just after the cargo net and before heading out to Mud n Guts. Some question how tough mud pits are on OCRs. In my opinion, getting through the mud isn't much of a challenge, it is what comes up afterwards as you are completely covered in mud that is the bigger challenge...like sawtooth (monkey bars).

Credit: Savage Race

After using your legs to reel in a nice heavy tire and running up a hill, what better way to follow up than jumping over fire? Well, that is what was up next at Blazed.

Credit: Savage Race

Here we go....Colossus time! This is the grandaddy of the Savage Race course! After you have laid everything out there, you have to muster enough strength, courage and will to get up this 16ft quarter pipe.

I have been working on warped walls at my ninja gym the past few months, so I was hoping for a stronger performance on Colossus than in the spring. My goal was to run further up the wall and grab the rope higher so I had less "climbing" to do on the rope.

I charged to the wall and GOT THE ROPE! I made it most of the way up but then my legs started to give with the slant of the wall and mud covering it. Thank goodness for my team because they grabbed me and got me up! It went so much better than in March, so I call that my big win of the day.

Credit: Savage Race

Once to the top, you climb a little bit more to the top of the Colossus Slide to slide your way to the finish line! To be honest, I am not a fan of slides, nor am I a fan of sliding into water with people right next to me. I timed my drop in between others and away I went. Weeeeeeeeee!

Three friends, 6.2ish miles, 33 obstacles, and many awesome memories later and my second Savage Race was a wrap! In road races a lot of it is done solo. Yes, you might run "with" friends and encourage each other on the way, but the team aspect of OCR is totally different. You can totally do it by yourself, but working with a team (and even helping those not on your 'team') was amazing to be a part of.

As a special bonus, for completing my second Savage Race of 2018, I received the Syndicate Medal and Savage Race Georgia pin. Y'all. This medal is HUGE! I love the Savage Race anyways, but knowing that I was going to get the Syndicate medal made sure that I cleared my schedule to run my second Savage Race of the year in.

Am I hooked on Savage Races? Well, I took advantage of a crazy ridiculous pre-sale price for the Fall Georgia Savage Race in October! Time to get Savage ready again for March 2019! Bonus: in addition to the standard Savage Race in Georgia this spring, there is going to be a Blitz course that Sunday which is race of about half the distance but will certainly be just as much fun. I cannot wait to take on both the Savage Race and Savage Blitz in March!

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Neck Hammock Product Review

12/3/2018

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Disclaimer: I received Neck Hammock product in exchange for a product review and no other compensation was received. All thoughts are strictly my own and real based on my experience. I am not a medical professional, nor do I claim to be. Do not take the below information as medical advice and seek professional opinions with medical emergencies, diagnoses and treatments.

As a runner and athlete, my body takes a beating. While I am constantly self-caring for those daily aches and mild pains, there are still times that I need a little extra help. One of my biggest "trouble spots" is my neck and upper back/shoulders. Between my running posture isn't great most of the times and sleeping in crazy contorted positions, I often find myself with some mild aches and tension headaches resulting. After consulting my physician previously for these issues, there is no formal diagnosis or treatment for my symptoms - basically just try to strength my back/shoulders for better posture and treat the symptoms as they occur. When the team at Neck Hammock reached out to me about trying them out, I took a look into the product and thought it would be a good chance to help relieve those tension headaches and work on those aches in my neck and shoulders.

The Neck Hammock is a head sling for neck pain using cervical traction to relax and stretch the muscles throughout your neck and spine. The goal of the Neck Hammock is to increase mobility in the neck and spine all in the comfort of your home (or wherever you go). Some of the conditions that Neck Hammock helps with include:

Neck, head or shoulder pain
Tension headaches
Poor posture
"Upper back Hump" aka Dowager's Hump
Pinched nerves
Cervical neck and muscle spasms
Physical and mental stress
Muscle tightness
Decreased range of motion and mobility of the neck

About the Neck Hammock:

The Neck Hammock is a simple device that attaches to any door for neck pain relief in just ten minutes or less. Simply wrap it around any doorway, lie down, stretch out your neck muscles, and say goodbye to neck pain.

Due to its portable and convenient size, you can keep the Neck Hammock with you at all times. All you need is a sturdy door and a few minutes to feel better instantly. Now you can have a treatment plan for your chronic neck pain whenever you need it and wherever you go. Whether you suffer from muscle spasms, pinched nerves, or any other neck problem, our home cervical traction unit will provide you with the instant relief you need. Get rid of neck pain for good with our at home traction device today.

We recommend starting at 10 minutes at one instance and working your way up from there. If your neck is in a bad shape, you may need to use it 2 - 3x per day up to 15 minutes (allow at least an interval of 4 hours in between sessions and a strict maximum of 15 minutes per session) at a time but as your range improves and the pain or discomfort subsides, then you can also decrease the frequency and duration of the stretch. However, should the 15-minute duration give you either a headache, or feeling of dizziness/nausea, or back pain, then you may need to decrease the time and place the pad more towards the middle of your neck.

(Source: Neck Hammock)

How To Use Neck Hammock

The Neck Hammock is both easy to set up and portable. Basically anywhere with a door can be turned into a neck traction system. In addition, Neck Hammock can also be attached to a pole for use in additional places. The instructions included with the Neck Hammock system include easy to follow diagrams and instructions for set up and use.

The Neck Hammock should rest 2-4 inches off the ground when hanging. The higher off the ground, the greater the stretch/tensions. For example, an average adult male will probably want the Neck Hammock to be 3-4 inches off the ground. Use the adjustable strap to quickly and easily change the height as needed.

Listen to your body, if it "feels" like too much of a stretch then lower the Neck Hammock and take some tension off. It is important to keep in mind that every day is different and some days you may need more or less tension than others. This should feel good. You can use our cervical traction device every day to alleviate your neck pain. Through the process of stretching and relaxing your neck muscles, this device is able to lengthen problem areas and increase mobility in tight muscles. After regular use, you will be able to feel a noticeable difference on a daily basis.

(Source: Neck Hammock)

Honestly, I am always very skeptical when I hear that something is "easy to install/use" because I always find a way to screw something up. I was very pleased at how everything about the Neck Hammock was so simple. The directions were easy to follow and the set up was even easier than I expected. Using the Neck Hammock was honestly as easy as 1-2-3. It seriously took all of about 30 seconds from box to set up.

My favorite part? The Neck Hammock is not a permanent fixture of your home nor does it damage walls, doors, etc. It is as easy as looping it on the doorknob and closing the door (or using the door jamb or a pole). Nothing is worse than getting a new piece of equipment to use only to find out that it just damaged your walls or is now a permanent fixture to your home.

I will admit it, it was a little odd feeling at first using the Neck Hammock. As I set it up on the bedroom door and laid down, the Neck Hammock instantly cradled my neck and took the stress off of my neck and shoulders. (Bonus: laying on the floor always feels great on my back) It took a little adjusting to fine tune how high off the floor to have the Neck Hammock.

Is it an instant fix or a "cure"? No. However, it is relief from those minor aches and headaches I get from time to time. It is a great relaxation tool to help give myself those few minutes in the day and help relieve some tension.

It took a little time to get use to the feeling of the Neck Hammock because it is definitely a different feeling. I would say that the most important thing to remember is to adjust it to a level that you feel comfortable with and to build up your time in the Neck Hammock gradually (and use as directly).

To shop for a Neck Hammock and to learn more about how it can help you, check out Neck Hammock online.

Neck Hammock Website
Neck Hammock on Facebook
Neck Hammock on Twitter
Neck Hammock on Instagram

A HUGE thank you to Neck Hammock letting me try out their product. Hopefully this is the beginning of less aches and headaches in my future!

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Save Cash, Run More Races

11/30/2018

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Here we are, the home stretch of 2018. How are your race goals coming along? There are some AMAZING races coming up this fall and winter to give you those last shots for 2018 or even to start planning those 2019 goals.

How about saving some cash when registering for your next big race? Here are a few of my favorite races coming up this fall and winter along with some sweet discount codes to help you make your race budget go a little further.

Jeff Galloway 13.1 Weekend - Atlanta, GA December 8-9, 2018

Y'all know I am huge fan of Jeff Galloway and his Run-Walk Method and I am lucky enough to have the Jeff Galloway Half Marathon basically in my own backyard! Join Jeff Galloway and his wife Barbara for a fantastic weekend of running including a 5K, Kids Run, half marathon and the Double G Challenge (5K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday).

Save 10% off of registration for the 5K, 1/2 Marathon, or Double G Challenge with code ambassador12

Santa Hustle 1/2 Marathon & 5K - Various Dates and Locations

Want to keep a little extra cash in your stocking when you register for the Santa Hustle race series? Santa Hustle has become a family tradition for us the past few years. What better way to fully get in the holiday spirit than with a holiday themed race!

Code BGILBERT to save $5 on your registration (valid on all 2018 locations and distances)!

Publix Savannah Women's 1/2 Marathon & 5K- April 6, 2019

One of my absolute favorite races of 2018 was the Savannah Women's Half Marathon & 5K. I can't say enough good things about this race. From the organization to the beautiful course and the little "extras", it is great race weekend for sure. PLUS, Savannah is absolutely gorgeous in the Spring! If you are looking for a great girls racecation weekend, a spring getaway with your family, or any other reason to head to Savannah in April, be sure to check out the Savannah Women's Half Marathon & 5K.

Code FUNRUN15 to save 15% on your registration (valid on 5K and half marathon)!

Fall weather is here and there is still some time left in 2018 to crush some goals! I mean, we write our own stories each day, so fill each day and each page of your book with greatness. Dream big. Work hard. Make it happen! You got this!

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Georgia Institute of Technology Alpha Xi Delta Step It Up 5k for Autism Speaks - September 30, 2018

11/27/2018

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September was a crazy month for sure that was full of traveling and football. While I had a number of races earlier in the month, I felt like I didn't get to race as much in the later part of the month. When my friends, Chris and Danielle, invited me to join them at their daughter's friend's sorority 5K, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to run the Alpha Xi Delta Step It Up 5K. I would get to see amazing friends, run at Georgia Tech (which I always love), and support this great group of young women and Autism Speaks.

With a slightly later start time, that meant getting to sleep in a little longer. Momma K and I arrived about an hour before race time to meet up with everyone, get our bibs, and go to the bathroom (bonus: they were inside).

Since there are quite the number of hills around the Georgia Tech campus, we decided to grab a copy of the course map and check out which way we were running and if we were going to get to avoid a few of those most dreaded hills around campus. Spoiler, we avoided a good number of them.

It was a beautiful (nearly) fall morning in Atlanta and campus was really starting to show signs of fall. It was great running weather for sure and I couldn't be happier to be in a tank and not sweltering.

The course took you around a majority of the Georgia Tech campus so you got to see a lot of the places of this historic campus that make it so great. My favorite part? The Alpha Xi Delta sisters out on the course cheering you on along the way. At every turn of the course you had cheers coming your way.

Yes, it was a little hilly, but that is just the layout of Atlanta. There is no avoiding hills completely in Atlanta, but the course was designed in a very forgiving way that had a good blend of mild uphills and downhills.

I met up with Danielle and friends after crossing the finish line and collected our shirts, goodies, and popsicles. While it was a slight bit cooler than it had been, it was still a little warm, so the cold treat was much appreciated.

They had some crazy age groups and a few of us had a laugh because we were in an awkward age group - not the college age runners (or young alumni) and not the parents of said college students. That awkward age group paid off because even though I didn't run as well as I wanted to, I still won my age group! I got a lovely medal and a $25 gift card to Tiff's Treats (a local cookie company).

What could make it even sweeter than a great morning with friends? I won the raffle for a free pair of running shoes! Sweeeeeeeeeet! Not too shabby for a Sunday morning, huh?

Thank you Chris and Danielle for inviting us to come run with you. It was a great morning with running friends and we got to support the women of Alpha Xi Delta and Autism Speaks. Everything was very well organized and executed nicely, so great job ladies. I will definitely keep an eye out for this one to come around again next year!

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Top Cyber Monday Deals For Runners 2018

11/26/2018

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Cyber Monday is an awesome way to score some great gifts (or even gifts for you) at discounted prices. In order to help spread the sales and savings, below are some of the sales that I have been coming across for runners including gear, races, and more! I can't wait to see and hear about what items you scored today - HAPPY SHOPPING

Apparel/Shoes

Lock Laces (www.locklaces.com) - 50% sitewide - no code needed (sale prices reflected on website). Offer ends 11/27/18 at 3am EST.

Handful Bras (www.handful.com) - Save 40% on sale styles with a purchase of $75+ (Code: SALEONSALE). Valid 11/26/18.

OOFOS (www.oofos.com) - 20% off coupon for your entire OOFOS order with coupon code HOLIDAY. Promotion ends 11/26/18 at midnight EST.

PRO Compression (www.procompression.com) - Marathon socks or Marathon Elites for $19.99 (that is more than 60% off!) with code BCM19 at checkout. Valid on Marathon and Marathon Elite socks ONLY and does not include PC Dress Socks. Valid until 11/28/17 at 11:59pm PST.

Sparkly Soul Headbands (www.sparklysoul.com) - Cyber Monday sale thru 11/27/18
Take 20% off all regular price items (with code CYBERMONDAY18), mystery 4-packs for $20.00 and free US Shipping on orders over $25.00

Miscellaneous (Gear, Fuel, Electronics)

AfterShokz Headphones (www.aftershokz.com) - Trekz Titanium priced at $79.95 and Trekz Air are $119.95 until 11:59pm ET on 11/26/18. Offer valid in the US only.

Garmin (www.garmin.com) - Save up to 50% off select products - see website for selection and sale prices and FREE U.S. ground shipping on orders over $25 and free second day shipping on orders over $499. No promo code needed. Sale ends 12/1/18.

Orange Mud (www.orangemud.com) - All of the items in the Secret Collection are 30% off with the code 010111, and U.S. customers free shipping on all orders over $40.

Project Repat Quilts (www.projectrepat.com) - 50% off giftcards (giftcard sent in a box perfect for gifting) with code BFCM18. Supplies are VERY limited and promotion ends when sizes sellout.

Run Gum (www.rungum.com) - 20% off entire store and 25% off bundles. Save with code HOLIDAY17 at checkout. Valid through 11/27/17.

Races

Atlanta Track Club (Various Races & Dates) - Save 10% on select 2018 Atlanta Track Club races with code CYBER10. Also, save 15% on Atlanta Track Club merchandise with code CYBER15. Valid 11/26/18 only.

Pittsburgh Marathon (www.thepittsburghmarathon.com) - Save $10 on the full or half marathon with coupon code CYBERMONDAY10. OR, save $20 on the marathon relay with coupon code CYBERMONDAY20R. *Discount expires at 11:59 PM EST 11/26/18

Spartan Races (www.spartan.com) - Take $20 off Sprints, $30 off Supers, and $40 off Beasts now with code CYBER2018 - Expires 12/02/18 11:59pm EST.

Question of the Day: What deals are you hunting for this Cyber Monday? What are the best deals that you have scored?

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Happy Thanksgiving!

11/22/2018

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No matter if you are running a Turkey Trot, enjoying a day with family and friends, spending the day in the kitchen getting ready for a family fest, watching football, or however you chose to spend the day, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember to be thankful for everything that you have in your life - the little things that you take for granted might be something that others only dream of.

I will be taking the next few days off from blogging in order to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend with my family and friends. I will return next weekend though with race recaps and other fun things to help you kick off the holiday season!

2013 Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon (Yes, I PRed with a turkey on my head)

2014 Turkey Trot 5K

From my family to yours, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Question of the Day: Are you running a turkey trot today? Which one?

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StrideBox October 2018

11/13/2018

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Disclaimer: A HUGE thanks to the team at StrideBox for allowing me to review their subscription box service. While I did receive a box to review, no other compensation was received. As always, I keep it real and all thoughts are strictly my own.

Fitness and health products can be very tricky at times to find out what works best for you. Rather than going and dropping serious cash on products that you quickly find out that you can't stomach or don't work well for you, StrideBox lets you try various products each month before you decide to purchase large quantity packages of new products.

While every product might not be the best fit for you, you can typically find a friend that might want to try it out instead. The best part about StrideBox is that it is just $19.95/month and you can cancel your subscription any time if you find that you aren't enjoying your box.

Each month when I receive my StrideBox, I am honestly like a kid on Christmas morning. I absolutely cannot wait to rip into my box and see what kind of goodies await me.

One of the cool features of StrideBox is that each box comes with a "Stride Guide" inside. This guide gives you a breakdown of the products as well as information such as when to use the products in your workout/run and the retail price. To be honest, I typically ignore the "Stride Guide" until I am done unloading the box so I don't ruin the surprise.

It is time to dig into this month's StrideBox and check out the goods...

Jimmy Bar - Clean Bar Mini - Peanut Butter

Fact: I am a sucker for all things peanut butter. I mean, if I could eat my weigh in peanut butter I would be happy! I pretty much squealed when I saw Peanut Butter Jimmy Bar in this month's StrideBox.

Between work, running, the gym, and trying to have somewhat of a personal life, I am on the go A LOT and I am trying to do better avoiding vending machines and drive-thrus, so I try to have healthy snacks with me for when I get a little hangry. I am always looking for new snacks to throw in my purse, gym bag, or desk drawer to keep me fueled and ready to go.

Spring Energy - Any Distance Fuel - Canaberry

Spring Energy's CanaBerry is a balanced composition of carbohydrates to help give you the boost you need without the negative effects of sugar and/or maltodextrin overload. It also features low level of osmotically active ingredients combined with the presence of fatty acids helps to prevent those GI distress that can happen on the run.

Unlike a lot of runners, I am not a gel girl by any means. There is something about the texture that gets me and I just can't do it, so I have to resort to alternative means of fuel on my long runs. Even though I love raspberry, this is a sample that I will be passing along to a friend for them to try out.

Bumbleroot - Hydration - Raspberry Hibiscus Mint

Bumbleroot Superfood Hydration Drink is loaded with electrolytes from coconut water, baobab, and sea salt. Bonus: it made with real food and plants (not unpronounceable ingredients) and also contains 27% of your recommended daily value of potassium!

I have my favorite electrolyte replacement hydration, so I am not too inclined to really switch things up, but this is something that I am interested on sipping on during the day. The raspberry hibiscus mint flavor does sound quite refreshing and almost like a reminder of those warm summer days.

Hylands - Arnicaid Pain Relief and Arnisport Pain Relief

This is one thing in my StrideBox that I am hoping to NOT have to use, but in the event that I need it, I will be glad to have it on hand. Unfortunately being marathon training (and life in general) means aches, pains, and injuries from time to time. Hylands specializes in various medications for these situations. One formula included (Arnicaid) is for relief of pain, bruising and soreness and the other (Arnisport) is for overexertion pains. This will be going into my gym bag as a "just in case".

Soom - Sesame Tahini Spread

Tahini is something totally new to me. Before opening my StrideBox, I had never even heard of it, so I hopped over to the Soom website to learn a little more about it and how I can incorporate it into my routine. "Tahini is an ingredient typically used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, most notably for hummus and halva. Soom tahini is lauded in sweet and savory applications. It can be used as an ingredient in dressings, marinades, sauces, dips, spreads, soups, smoothies, and desserts. In certain recipes it is also a wonderful dairy substitute or nut butter substitute!" (Source: Soom)

Rockay Socks

While I love the nutrition products and samples in each StrideBox, they always include some kind of gear in the box. These always rock my socks and I have never been let down by these. This month's Stride Gear was literally socks! Each StrideBox this month included a redemption card for a free pair of Rockay running socks. Since sizes vary, this was obviously the best way to include this in StrideBox. Yes, shipping in the US is free too, so you don't pay a cent. I have my favorite socks which I have been in for years, but I know some folks that might appreciate these or I can donate them to local running organizations for kids.

One final thing included this month's StrideBox was a recipe for chocolate trail mix power balls from Margaret at YoungAndRungry.com and a modified "OSU" recovery workout the team at StrideBox. This was definitely a nice little bonus to check out and I cannot wait to try both of these out soon - that workout looks so fun and will be great during marathon training!

As I mentioned earlier, not every sample is going to be something that directly fits your life and likes. However, I really like the concept behind subscription boxes because you can try new things that you might not have known about before. StrideBox does a great job providing various products for pre-run, during, and post-run needs. The products included are definitely geared towards runners and other athletes and are a great fit for you and your fitness goals.

Question of the Day: Have you ever tried a subscription box? What kind of products would you like to see in an upcoming StrideBox?

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<<Previous

Stocking Stuffers for Runners

Funner Runner's Guide to Holiday Gifts for Runners

ActivMotion Bar Review

Savage Race - Fall Georgia - October 6, 2018

Neck Hammock Product Review

Save Cash, Run More Races

Georgia Institute of Technology Alpha Xi Delta Step It Up 5k for Autism Speaks - September 30, 2018

Top Cyber Monday Deals For Runners 2018

Happy Thanksgiving!

StrideBox October 2018

Brandi

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